The city streets just outside the view of 'Prying Eyes' were overflowing with many souls. People were milling about, dressed warmly and carrying their unlit candles. Some of them also brought flashlights. There seemed to be a general gathering in and around the large Gazebo at the square center. But from inside the coffee shop, it seemed the crowd was here instead.

So many people gathered in their little groups, excitedly talking and moving around. There was a line for coffee, tea and hot chocolate or some of the various pastries they made. Valarie Compton and two girls worked as fast as they could to fill orders while one older gentleman ran around delivering drinks and cleaning up tables and chairs. No one seemed to pay much attention to the cleanliness though. Everyone enjoyed the ghost walk that always marked the start of the fall festival.

Runa Walker was standing by a couch where her friend Mendalie and her mother, Pepper were sitting with several young, giddy high school girls. George was standing in line with Carl. Pepper leaned closer to her daughter and put her arm around her.

"So, Mendie, what do you think about Christmas?" Pepper asked.

"Christmas!" Mendalie exclaimed.  "Mom, I don't want to talk about Christmas yet."

The door to the coffee shop opened and a cold wind blew in. Runa looked up and saw Doctor Ellie Ravensdale stroll in. She was so cute. She had her hair done up and was wearing a beautiful jacket over her pretty floral print dress. It seemed a little cold for it, but it was cut below the knees.

Someone else walked in with her. He was a young man with dark hair, wearing a leather jacket, t-shirt and jeans. She was instantly intrigued to know who he was and why he was there with Ellie. Then he caught Runa looking at him; so she looked away. But she could feel his eyes on her. She looked up and he was still looking at her. He smiled at her. Runa quickly looked away again.

Runa felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped. She turned to see it was 'Poppy'.

"Oh I'm sorry dear, I didn't mean to scare you," Poppy said. "I do that without meaning to sometimes."

"It's okay," she told him, smiling.

He was just trying to get past her and moved in the direction of his wife, Ellie.

Runa watched him hug the young man with them. He must be their grandson, Grant. Poppy used to talk about him to her. He was a year older than Runa and was going to the same school in Akron where Mendalie goes. Watching them together; made Runa smile.

A small commotion started as someone spoke loudly from the door, "They're ready! They're gonna start now."

And like a massive herd being released, the crowd left their little barn of a coffee shop and slowly pushed their way across the lamp lit street toward the large white gazebo at the center of the city Square. George came carrying cups of hot beverages and handed a couple to Pepper and Mendalie. They all followed behind Runa as she went with the crowd toward the door.

Out of the corner of her eye, Runa saw Grant looking her way. But just then, Brian showed up.